Liam Neeson to return to ‘Star Wars’ role

Ballymena native, Liam Neeson, who played Qui-Gon Jinn in “Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace” has signed up to reclaim his role in two episodes of the Cartoon Network’s “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”.

Neeson will appear to his former apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi just like Obi-Wan appeared to Luke Skywalker in the original “Star Wars” trilogy.

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly he said “These characters resonate... even after all these years.

"Growing up, my heroes were cowboys; they were strong and mysterious, and it seemed like they always rode off into the sunset. For kids today, Star Wars has that same kind of magic. I really wanted to be a part of that."

Neeson will be joining a long list of big stars who have featured on the show including Seth Green, Greg Proops, Jon Favreau and Star Trek's George Takei.

The episodes will air on January 28 and February 11. The Clone Wars airs at 8:30pm on Friday nights on Cartoon Network.